Jane Austen’s SENSE AND SENSIBILITY

Sense and Sensibility is not Jane Austen’s signal work, but it is her first published novel. This beloved tale of sisters trying to find love and preserve their family’s legacy was originally published anonymously, with the first of its three volumes credited to “A Lady.”

The novel, like all of Austen’s works, is a whole lot more than a love story. It’s rife with social commentary, and a masterclass in “show, don’t tell.”

Whether you’ve read the book or not, you might be familiar with Ang Lee’s 1995 film adaptation. It has a special place in many an Austenite’s heart, with a stacked cast that includes Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, and Kate Winslet.

After much fanfare, Georgia Oakley’s take starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles will finally hit US theaters this month, but it’s been out for a few weeks in the UK. The reviews thus far are a mixed bag: the film’s moody, earthy vibe is really doing it for some viewers, but it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.

Decide for yourself when the film releases on October 16, and brush up on the text with Jeff and Rebecca on this week’s episode of Zero to Well-Read.

For some extra credit, I have some Austen trivia, some of my favorite lines from the episode, and links to the trailer and interviews as a warm-up for the adaptation.

Extra Credit

Sense and Sensitrivia

Test your knowledge of Sense and Sensibility, and Jane Austen in general.

What was the original title of Sense and Sensibility?”
What is the name of the youngest Dashwood sister?
Did Jane Austen ever marry?
True or false: Dame Emma Thompson wrote the screenplay for Ang Lee’s 1995 adaptation.
In what order were Jane Austen’s novels published?

Say What Now?

Here’s a little game: guess which ones are Rebecca and which ones are Jeff.

“Every interesting woman has a best friend who has promised to drive a nail gun through her cell phone when she dies!”
“Like, I think I would have had to be a nun. Like, that’s the only way you can just sit in your room and read and not have to deal with stupid men.”
“…But then you just got this jar full of teeth, like that’s weird at the same time. “
“We have discovered the patriarchy is even in the Muppets.”

Adaptation Corner

Watch the most recent trailer for the forthcoming film adaptation. Personally, I think the vibes are vibing. Me, this film, and a chunky knit? A whole mood!
Here’s an interview with Georgia Oakley and Diana Reid, who sat down with Waterstone’s to discuss Jane Austen’s enduring appeal, which cast member would adapt best to life in 18th-century England, and more.

Are you an Elinor, or a Marianne? The cast of Georgia Oakley’s Sense and Sensibility weighs in and discusses what it was like to make this film, from their attempts to modernize their characters to the challenges of making a period piece.

Trivia Answers

Elinor and Marianne
Margaret
No. In 1802, she accepted a marriage proposal from a wealthy gentleman, but changed her mind and called the engagement off the next day.
True! And her performance won her an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, along with a nomination for Best Actress.
Sense and Sensibility (1811), Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814), Emma (1816), Northanger Abbey and Persuasion (published posthumously in 1817)